First, I'm not a breeder
but I had the priviledge of purchasing my d'Anvers from one, and got a terrific tour. What a sweet lady she was!
Anyway, she had mostly bantams. Most were seperated into pairs, in wire cages. Not sure I would personally go that route, but all of her birds were perky, healthy, and appeared very happy. She told me she rotated free ranging, so everyone had a chance to get out (and she did have a few chickens running free that day, all lap-dog friendly cochins). She also had some pens set up outside, complete with a mini-house and little run, lots of roosts and things to do. Her husband breeds BR (standard) and had his group in a giant box stall in the barn. Super looking birds, btw.
I have a pair I really want to breed, and am thinking I'll put those two in a chicken tractor for it. Haven't exactly decided on their night-time housing though (although in a pinch I could seperate a space in the main house for them).
I've also seen setups where there were rows of individual runs, side by side. All used the same house, but each group was sectioned off (sort of like a row of apartments).
Good luck on your venture! I think it would be fun, but I think I'm too lazy to put in the effort
except for this one particular pair.
Meghan
